Sam Oliver
Three key display suppliers are allegedly preparing for production of Apple's next iPad later this year, with LG Display and Sharp said to already have been selected, while AU Optronics is hoping to get into the mix.
The rumor was reported on Friday by hit-or-miss DigiTimes, which claimed that Apple's next-generation iPad mini will launch in either the late third quarter or fourth quarter of calendar 2013. That's on target with earlier rumors, as well as comments from Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook that new products won't debut until this fall.
Friday's report was mostly about AU Optronics, or AUO. The company has reportedly "faced issues" in producing iPad mini display panels, which have left it unknown as to whether AUO will continue being a major supplier to Apple.
The report, which cited the publication's typical — and frequently unreliable — supply chain sources in Taiwan, said it's "not expected" that AUO will remain a major iPad mini panel supplier. However, the company is said to have submitted panels for use in the next iPad mini for certification by Apple.
AUO must await Apple's approval, the report indicated, but LG Display and Sharp have already been selected as panel suppliers. The report did not give any indication as to whether the next iPad mini will have a high-resolution Retina display.
In preparation for the second-generation iPad mini, Apple is expected to draw down production of the current model. Accordingly, the report claimed that AUO panel shipments are to be drawn down over the coming quarters, and will decrease sequentially.
Charles Martin
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Wesley Hilliard
12 Comments
In preparation for the second-generation iPad mini, Apple is expected to draw down production of the current model. Accordingly, the report claimed that AUO panel shipments are to be drawn down over the coming quarters, and will decrease sequentially.
Because God forbid's Apple drop the price on something... I am still hoping that after the ipad mini 2 launch, Apple can manage to sell the current 16g version at $200.
Regarding the retina screens, cant wait to see what they will use. imo the ipads will move to IGZO this year. Otherwise it could be OLED, but the colors on OLED are not to Apple standards.
Never ever OLED please.
"Hit-or-miss DigiTimes"? Make that miss-miss-miss-hit-miss-oops-miss again.
I do wonder how wise an idea it was to give Jony Ive the freedom to design and have built what ever his heart desired. It looks like Apple has ended up with a phone and tablet that no more than a couple of firms (including one which is THE major competitor) can build. Delivering as many phones as the market can take doesn't look like an option for Apple at the moment. Fitting a retina screen and battery life that Apple would be happy with into an iPad Mini...... well it isn't going to be easy. I wonder if Samsung's decision to put a plastic back on their "top end" phone was not perhaps driven by the seemingly impossible need to build in large numbers whilst still stuffing it with as much geek pleasing kit as possible. Have we the customer developed an appetite for something thats near to impossible to deliver in any quantity?
"Hit-or-miss DigiTimes"?
Make that miss-miss-miss-hit-miss-oops-miss again.
You accidentally typed hit.